All in a Morning

While daughters sleep

I rise

Slip on running shoes and shorts,

Program IPOD

Wave to husband and

Jog to boardwalk

For day’s first view of ocean. 

Routine includes

Dodging morning boardwalkers or

Passing slower runners,

Heading to Henlopen, Route 1 or lake,

Then back home. 

Shower

Don t-shirt, shorts and sneakers. 

Avoid bathing suit

Except when temperature exceeds 95.

Eat breakfast

Walk with hubby to latest coffee shop standing –

Brew Ha-ha, Coffee Mill or Coffee House.

Hours later,

Daughters awaken.

Dad takes breakfast orders

Bacon, eggs and bagels. 

Kids dress, apply sunscreen and pack

Towels, books, sunglasses and chairs.

Late arrival lands us

Several umbrellas away from ocean,

But we are at the beach.

They are happy,

I am happy.

Husband stays back.

Enjoying peace and quiet of empty house.

He is happy.

Undiagnosed ADHD keeps me from lounging at length

But I search for school of dolphins

Before leaving sun-worshipping daughters.

Return trip to coffee shop

Completes perfect morning.